arthur.wiebe I was advised that my newborn will have an OAE (Otoacoustic Emmission) test as part of the Newborn Infant Hearing Screening. What is an OAE test?

The presence of congenital, binaural (both ears) and permanent hearing loss is 3/1000 live births. Without newborn hearing screening, the average age that a child receives intervention is approximately 2 years. When hearing is screened at birth and appropriate intervention occurs, language development is normal. OAE assessment is a non-invasive routine screening test that assesses the integrity of the hearing organ called the cochlea. OAEs can be conducted on sleeping babies. They require a relatively short test time; provide ear specific and frequency specific audiologic information. OAEs are also valuable as a crosscheck test.


OAEs are generated by cochlear (inner ear) structures and assess outer hair cell function. The cochlea produces sounds that can be evoked by sound stimulation. These sounds are called emissions and these emissions can be measured by means of a probe placed in the ear canal. Emissions are thought to be produced by rhythmical contractions of the cochlear hair cells. In the cochlea, there are inner hair cells (IHC) and outer hair cells (OHC). The outer hair cells are the single most important contributor to OAE production


OAEs are elicited by the presentation of sound stimuli to the ear canal opening, which will activate the cochlea. There are four areas sound must travel through in order to generate OAEs: 1) external ear canal, 2) middle ear, 3) cochlea, 4) efferent auditory system. The presence of OAEs indicates normal cochlear function. OAEs are prevalent in those with normal functioning cochlea’s almost 100% of the time. The absence of OAEs warrants further audiologic evaluation and does not necessarily mean the cochlea is not functioning properly. There are many factors that may interfere with the acquisition of OAEs, including: poor probe fit, ear wax, middle ear infection or disorder, vernix (protective cover on newborns), etc. The presence of OAEs in the external canal is dependent on the integrity of the outer, middle and inner ear. Hearing thresholds cannot be predicted from OAEs. However, in the absence of an audiogram (hearing test), the OAEs offer important cochlear information.


Please feel free to contact me with any of your audiological inquiries, or to book a hearing evaluation.

 12:14 PM I was advised that my newborn will have an OAE (Otoacoustic Emmission) test as part of the Newborn Infant Hearing Screening. What is an OAE test?

The presence of congenital, binaural (both ears) and permanent hearing loss is 3/1000 live births. Without newborn hearing screening, the average age that a child receives intervention is approximately 2 years. When hearing is screened at birth and appropriate intervention occurs, language development is normal. OAE assessment is a non-invasive routine screening test that assesses the integrity of the hearing organ called the cochlea. OAEs can be conducted on sleeping babies. They require a relatively short test time; provide ear specific and frequency specific audiologic information. OAEs are also valuable as a crosscheck test.


OAEs are generated by cochlear (inner ear) structures and assess outer hair cell function. The cochlea produces sounds that can be evoked by sound stimulation. These sounds are called emissions and these emissions can be measured by means of a probe placed in the ear canal. Emissions are thought to be produced by rhythmical contractions of the cochlear hair cells. In the cochlea, there are inner hair cells (IHC) and outer hair cells (OHC). The outer hair cells are the single most important contributor to OAE production


OAEs are elicited by the presentation of sound stimuli to the ear canal opening, which will activate the cochlea. There are four areas sound must travel through in order to generate OAEs: 1) external ear canal, 2) middle ear, 3) cochlea, 4) efferent auditory system. The presence of OAEs indicates normal cochlear function. OAEs are prevalent in those with normal functioning cochlea’s almost 100% of the time. The absence of OAEs warrants further audiologic evaluation and does not necessarily mean the cochlea is not functioning properly. There are many factors that may interfere with the acquisition of OAEs, including: poor probe fit, ear wax, middle ear infection or disorder, vernix (protective cover on newborns), etc. The presence of OAEs in the external canal is dependent on the integrity of the outer, middle and inner ear. Hearing thresholds cannot be predicted from OAEs. However, in the absence of an audiogram (hearing test), the OAEs offer important cochlear information.


Please feel free to contact me with any of your audiological inquiries, or to book a hearing evaluation.

 12:14 PM Is there any objective test measurement that will substantiate a claim of noise induced tinnitus?

Fact: Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) attacks the hearing cells (outer and inner hair cells) in the hearing organ called the cochlea. Loss of the outer hair cells can account for the first 60 dB HL of hearing loss. Once the inner hair cells are involved, the hearing loss can exceed this level. However, an individual can lose up to 40% of their hair cells before any loss in hearing sensitivity may be appears on an audiogram.

There is a test called Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) testing will assess the integrity of the outer hair cells (OHC) function. OHCs are most at risk to the effects of noise. This quick testing will reveal insults to the OHCs before any hearing loss may be reflected on an audiogram. An individual can lose up to 40% of these hair cells before any loss in hearing sensitivity may be appears on an audiogram.

OAE testing is also helpful when dealing with complaints of noise induced tinnitus; particularly in the absence of any measurable hearing loss. Tinnitus is the perception of sounds in the ears or head without any external stimulation. Tinnitus is a common accompaniment to NIHL. Tinnitus is believed to arise due to the discrepancy of hair loss damage that is greater loss to the OHCs versus IHCs. Since noise attacks OHCs, it stands to reason that tinnitus would often result in cases of noise damage. OAE testing will reveal OHC damage that is at the root of tinnitus. For individuals wishing to proceed with a complaint of noise induced tinnitus, OAE testing may be there only objective means of proving damage.

 10:21 AM What are some common myths regarding Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)?

Myth: Two individuals with the same type and amount of noise exposure will end up with the same hearing loss.

Fact: It is believed that genetics may predispose some individuals to greater amounts of noise induced hearing loss than others. Individual variations should be kept in mind rather than simply looking at a criteria that would indicate specific amount of hearing loss.

Myth: Noise induced hearing loss is always sensory, affecting hair cells in the inner ear organ called the cochlea.

Fact: NIHL tends to be sensory in nature; however, an acoustic trauma can cause a disarticulation or breakage of the middle ear bones and/or a rupture of the tympanic membrane. Therefore, noise damage may present itself as a conductive (middle ear), mixed (middle ear and sensory) or a sensory/cochlear hearing loss.

Myth: Noise induced hearing loss results in demonstrable hearing loss that will be evident on the audiogram portion of the hearing test.

Fact: NIHL attacks the hearing cells (outer and inner hair cells) in the hearing organ, the cochlea. Loss of the outer hair cells can account for the first 60 dB HL of hearing loss. Once the inner hair cells are involved, the hearing loss can exceed this level. However, an individual can lose up to 40% of these hair cells before any loss in hearing sensitivity may be appears on an audiogram.

A test called Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) testing can assess the integrity of outer hair cell (OHC) function. This quick testing will reveal insults to the OHCs before any hearing loss may be reflected on an audiogram.

Myth: Scientific evidence indicates that previously noise-exposed ears are not more sensitive to future noise exposure and that hearing loss due to noise does not progress once the exposure to noise is discontinued.

Fact: Metabolic changes to the outer hair cells, due to noise damage, may result in a greater likelihood of erosion of the outer hair cells over time.

Resource: Lipscomb, David. Hearing Conservation.

 10:18 AM I am going to a hockey game tonight. Would that be a good environment to test my new hearing aids?

You should not wear hearing aids in a noisy place until you are very accustomed to them. Any noisy situation will not provide a good test for your hearing aids. It is easier to adjust to hearing aids in a favorable listening environment. As you become accustomed to your aids, you can work towards a more difficult listening environment.

When you have a hearing loss, it is as if you have been wearing earplugs. The volume of sound has been reduced due to your loss. When you begin to wear hearing aids, your auditory system may be sensitive to loud sounds. Your brain will have to learn how to hear again. Most hearing aid wearers require an adjustment period of a few weeks.

It is best to gradually introduce sound back into your environment. Modern hearing aids are equipped with loudness adaptation levels. As your brain adapts to increased auditory input, these loudness levels can gradually be turned up.

Tips for learning to use hearing aids:


  1. At first, wear hearing aids in your own home environment

  2. Start off with one-on-one conversations in quiet

  3. Do not strain to catch every word

  4. Do not be discouraged by background noise

  5. Increase your tolerance for loud sounds slowly

  6. Gradually extend the number of persons with whom you speak

Resource: www.audiologyonline.org

 10:17 AM I was advised that my hearing aid is equipped with a telecoil. When would I use the telecoil setting?

A telecoil picks up magnetic signals and converts them to electrical energy. In the “T” (telecoil) position, a hearing aid will detect electromagnetic information. The most common use of the telecoil is when a patient is on the telephone. In the “T” position the patient will be able to hear over the telephone without the usual feedback that emits from a hearing aid when it is covered with an object, i.e. a telephone receiver or your hand. This allows the patient to listen comfortably on the telephone. It is common to be able to independently adjust the volume of the telecoil for comfort.

A telecoil is also useful anywhere there is an indication that a location has a “Loop System” for the hearing impaired. When a location is serviced by a Loop System, hearing aid wearers should turn their hearing aid to the setting marked “T”. In large reverberant areas, sound, music and speech will bounce of the walls, floor and furniture. This can cause the speech to be unintelligible. A telecoil will harness the auditory signals in these often challenging listening situations.

Loop systems can be utilized at home, by means of using magnetic energy to transmit a signal from a TV or PA system. By selecting hearing aids with telecoils whenever possible, audiologists are helping to maximize their patients’ listening experience in a variety of environments. While other ALDs (Assistive Listening Devices) exist, they are typically much more expensive than telecoils. It is also the role of audiologists to encourage the spread of hearing aid compatible Loop Systems wherever PA systems exist; such as churches, auditoriums, courts, theatres, airports, educational and convention facilities in order to provide a cost-effective, improved listening and communication experience for the hearing impaired population.

Resource: The Hearing Journal (May 2006)

 10:13 AM Is diabetes a risk factor for hearing loss?
Approximately 6.3% of the general population has diabetes. This percentage increases to 18% in the over 60 age group. Diabetes is a disorder that involves improper metabolism of glucose in the body. Elevated glucose levels can result in a number of complications, including damage to nerves and small blood vessels, kidneys and retina. Since the hearing organ, called the cochlea (Greek word for snail), is innervated and vascularized, damage to the nerves and small blood vessels can lead to damage of the cochlea.

The link between diabetes and hearing loss has been well-established. Recent studies (Frisina et al., 2006, Kakarlapudi et al., 2003) have supported the theory that diabetes prematurely ages the hearing system. These studies indicated a significantly higher prevalence of hearing loss among the diabetic population as compared to non-diabetics. Treating the diabetes itself is the best defense against hearing loss. In cases where the treatment of the diabetes is insufficient, a hearing aid can help to compensate for the hearing loss. Patients with diabetes should have their hearing assessed regularly to monitor their hearing status for any changes.

Feel free to contact me at (506) 857-3223 or 1-800-535-1000 for more information on this topic, with any other audiological inquiries or to book a hearing evaluation.

Resources:

Diabetes and Hearing Loss
Cunningham, Lisa and Lendra Friesen (March, 2006). Diabetes and Hearing Loss in Audiology Today.
 9:20 AM To hear properly, I have to turn the volume up completely on my five year old hearing aids. Do I need more powerful hearing aides ?
Sensory hearing loss tends to be progressive.

Therefore, regular hearing evaluations are recommended to assess if the hearing loss has advanced to the point in which the present prescription of power in your hearing aids is no longer adequate.

Modern hearing aids are programmable and can often be reprogrammed to accommodate the progression of hearing loss. Some hearing aids are not programmable and were ordered with a power prescription that suited your loss when they were ordered. This prescription may no longer suit your degree of hearing loss.

Sometimes a patient may require a change to a larger style hearing aid in order to obtain the required increase in gain, or volume.

Another likely possibility is that the hearing aids may not be working optimally. Hearing aids are exposed to a rather inhospitable environment in your ear canal. There is moisture, dry skin and wax in the canal. These factors can cause the hearing aids to weaken over time.

An audiologist can assess both your hearing and the current status of your hearing aids. Recommendations can be made to you on how to best meet your hearing needs, based on the outcome of this session.

For further information on this topic, or with other audiological inquiries feel free to contact me at 857-3223 or Toll Free at 1-800-535-1000
 9:27 PM I was advised that my newborn will have an OAE (Otoacoustic Emmission) test as part of the Newborn Infant Hearing Screening. What is an OAE test?
The presence of congenital, binaural (both ears) and permanent hearing loss is 3/1000 live births. Without newborn hearing screening, the average age that a child receives intervention is approximately 2 years. When hearing is screened at birth and appropriate intervention occurs, language development is normal. OAE assessment is a non-invasive routine screening test that assesses the integrity of the hearing organ called the cochlea. OAEs can be conducted on sleeping babies. They require a relatively short test time; provide ear specific and frequency specific audiologic information. OAEs are also valuable as a crosscheck test.

OAEs are generated by cochlear (inner ear) structures and assess outer hair cell function. The cochlea produces sounds that can be evoked by sound stimulation. These sounds are called emissions and these emissions can be measured by means of a probe placed in the ear canal. Emissions are thought to be produced by rhythmical contractions of the cochlear hair cells. In the cochlea, there are inner hair cells (IHC) and outer hair cells (OHC). The outer hair cells are the single most important contributor to OAE production.

OAEs are elicited by the presentation of sound stimuli to the ear canal opening, which will activate the cochlea. There are four areas sound must travel through in order to generate OAEs
1. external ear canal
2. middle ear
3. cochlea
4. efferent auditory system.
The presence of OAEs indicates normal cochlear function. OAEs are prevalent in those with normal functioning cochlea’s almost 100% of the time. The absence of OAEs warrants further audiologic evaluation and does not necessarily mean the cochlea is not functioning properly. There are many factors that may interfere with the acquisition of OAEs, including: poor probe fit, ear wax, middle ear infection or disorder, vernix (protective cover on newborns), etc. The presence of OAEs in the external canal is dependent on the integrity of the outer, middle and inner ear. Hearing thresholds cannot be predicted from OAEs. However, in the absence of an audiogram (hearing test), the OAEs offer important cochlear information.

Please feel free to contact me at 506-857-3223 with any of your audiological inquiries, or to book a hearing evaluation.
 3:38 PM If one Cochlear Implant could help me to hear, could binaural implantation of Cochlear Implants help me more?
The greatest benefit of binaural over monaural Cochlear Implantation is similar to the benefit of binaural hearing aid use over the use of one hearing aid only, which is improvement in listening in challenging speech environments. Cochlear Implantation in both ears is especially helpful in dealing with issues of distance, attending to multiple signals, rapidly switching inputs, and suppression of competing inputs. There is no reported benefit to listening to speech in quiet with two Cochlear Implants.

A 2003 study conducted by Staller et al., confirmed these findings. The study indicated Cochlear Implantation in each ear improved the patient’s ability to localize sound, improved speech recognition in competing noise situations and showed great benefit for head shadow.

Studies have also shown patients who use bimodal stimulation (A cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the non-implanted ear) resulted in better speech benefits as well as localization abilities (Ching et al., 2004 & Seeber et al., 2004)

For further information on this topic, or with other audiological inquiries feel free to contact me at 857-3223 or Toll Free at 1-800-535-1000
 2:36 PM How do I know if my Hearing Aid is fitting properly?
Hearing aids are custom fitted for the patient's ear(s), as no two ears have the same shape. When a hearing aid is ordered, an impression is taken of the patient's ear and this impression is sent to the hearing aid manufacturer to have hearing aid made to fit that specific ear. An appropriate fit of the hearing aid is crucial for the patient's comfort.

A hearing aid should not be too tight or too loose as this would cause either discomfort, poor retention or poor performance. If the hearing aid is causing redness or irritation the audiologist should be contacted immediately. It may be possible to modify the shell of the aid or it may be necessary to have it remade to achieve a more comfortable fit.

A hearing aid that fits too loosely can cause poor retention and may even fall out of the ear. The solution for a poor fit is usually to remake the hearing aid. Most manufacturers will remake the aids at no charge during the first or second year of the warranty.

Please call your audiologist if the hearing aids are not fitting properly. In the case of poor fit causing redness, the aid should not be worn until the problem is remedied and the skin affected has healed.
 2:19 PM IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A HEARING LOSS AND NOT BE AWARE OF IT?
A common type of hearing loss is nerve deafness and it generally develops slowly over time. Some are not even aware of it and many have a hard time accepting they have a hearing loss. It is often family and friends that notice the loss first. Nerve deafness is also known as sensorineural, cochlear or inner ear hearing loss. It can be caused by noise damage, hereditary factors, infection, head injury or medication.

Nerve deafness usually affects a person's ability to hear high pitched sounds more than low pitch sounds. The person with this type of hearing loss may have trouble hearing the high pitch consonant sounds such as f, s, t, p, th and sh. They may complain that other mumble since they miss the high frequency parts of speech. Depending on the degree of the hearing loss, a person may be able to hear some sounds and not others. This can be confusing and frustrating.

Warning signs of a hearing loss may include

1. People often sound as if they are mumbling

2. You have to ask people to speak up or repeat

3. You find yourself turning one ear toward the speaker to hear better

4. Ringing in your ears

5. others complain that you speak too loudly

6. problem hearing in situations where there is background noise

7. others complain that your radio or TV volume is too loud

8. you can no longer hear your watch ticking, faucet drip, door bell or phone ring

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, I would suggest you arrange to have a hearing test.

 11:32 AM Do IPODS pose a risk to hearing?
The risk of hearing loss due to noise damage has to do with a combination of two factors: duration and intensity. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has created a damage risk criteria which indicates it is safe to be exposed to 80 dB of sound for up to 8 hours. Each time the intensity of the sound is increased by 3 dB, it halves the time that it is safe to be exposed to the sound. Therefore, 83 dB is safe for 4 hrs. 86 dB for 2 hrs., and so on.

There are a few issues to consider in terms of hearing loss risk and IPODS and other MP3 players. Firstly, the use of the earbud, rather than the muff-style earphone, is a concern. According to the Chair of Northwestern’s communication sciences and disorders department, Dean Garstecki, the earbuds placed directly in the ear canal can cause up to a 9 dB increase in the sound at the eardrum. Earbuds often do not fit snugly in the ear and this allows for sound leakage, which can cause the listener to turn up the volume of the IPOD in order to compensate for the background noise. Audiologists have cautioned about the hearing loss risk associated with earbuds since the 1980’s.

Secondly, IPODS have longer battery life and increased storage space for music, as compared to Walkmans and disc players. As a result, IPODS and MP3 players can be played for longer periods of time.

Thirdly, young people often listen to loud music. A recent MTV study indicates most teens do not think hearing loss from loud music is a big problem.

It is common knowledge that loud noises can cause hearing loss. However, there are other effects of noise that ought to be considered. Noise damage can also lead to decreased sound tolerance (hyperacusis) and tinnitus (a ringing, buzzing or other noises that people hear in their ears or head). Noise exposure has also been found to lead to increased frustration, anxiety, blood pressure and even to an increase in hostile behavior.

For more information on this topic, the Tinnitus Support Group of Atlantic Canada, or with any other audiological inquiry, feel free to contact me at (506) 857-3223 or 1-800-535-1000.
 4:01 PM How can I help my husband realize he has a hearing loss? The TV is blaring and my throat is sore from having to speak loudly so that he can hear me.
A hearing loss is a problem not only for the person with the hearing loss, but also for the family, friends and those that surround the hearing impaired individual. Because hearing loss is often gradual, the person does not always recognize that they have a hearing loss at all. How they hear with their hearing loss may seem normal to them, because that is the only way they know how to hear at this point.

The hearing impaired individual may complain people do not speak loud or clear enough. They may complain others mumble. Miscommunication may lead to arguments and confusion. The hearing impaired individual may accuse others of being angry or yelling at them, when others have to raise their voices in order to be understood. Let’s face it, when you have to repeat something several times you may become aggravated. The television will not be too loud for someone with a loss of hearing; instead the volume is just where it needs to be in order for THEM to hear properly.


Research proves hearing aids improve communication and quality of life. However, research has also proven the hearing impaired individual often waits up to ten years after they first notice difficulty hearing before being fit with amplification. Family and friends can be instrumental in helping the hearing impaired individual seek the care of an audiologist. Here are some suggestions:

  • Stop repeating yourself. Allow the hard-of-hearing person to realize the significance of their hearing loss.
  • Stop raising your voice. Someone with hearing loss may state, “Well I can hear my wife just fine”. It may be true they can hear their wife, because she is YELLING. Let your spouse realize how much speech they miss when you speak normally. Turning down your volume will have an added benefit of reducing strain on your throat.
  • Stop being your husband’s ears. Stop being the interpreter on the telephone or when communicating with others. Let him struggle in order to recognize that he needs help.

It may be against your nature to allow your husband to struggle with communication. I am not suggesting that you not help the hearing impaired person understand with a variety of communication strategies. However, these are the steps you need to take in order to stop enabling the person with a hearing loss to avoid seeking professional treatment.

For more information on this topic, or with other audio logical inquiries, feel free to contact me at 857-3223 or 1-800-535-1000.

Resource: The Hearing Institute Atlantic

 3:53 PM Can toys that produce noise cause my child to develop a hearing loss?
Audiologists have demonstrated through research that there are toys currently on the market which make sounds exceeding safe levels and which pose a serious risk to children’s hearing, language development and general health. Recent survey estimates 12% of all children ages 6 to 19 years have noise-induced hearing loss.

Exposure to loud sounds may cause physical damage to your hearing. Inside our inner ears there are minuscule hair cells that send sound messages to the brain. Loud noise can cause these hair cells to break or die. Once they are dead, they will not regenerate and a permanent hearing loss may ensue. Children are especially at risk because their bodies are still developing and children tend to hold toys close to their ears when playing. The risk depends on the noise level of the toy at the child’s ear and how long the child is exposed to the noise. Childhood noise risks include: toys, personal stereos, sporting events, band class, motorbikes, farm equipment, movie theatres, shop class, arcades, concerts, firecrackers, power tools and jobs.

Noise-induced hearing loss is PREVENTABLE! The National Hearing Conservation Association recommends: E = Ear protection
A = Avoid loud sounds
R = Reduce the volume
S = Shorten the time in noise

For more information on this topic, or for other audiological inquiries, feel free to contact my office.


Resource: American Academy of Audiology, 2004 (Crank it Down)
Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (www.caslpa.ca)
 10:42 PM HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT MY TINNITUS?
How does stress affect my tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of noises in the ears or head when no external source is present. Tinnitus appears to be linked to the loss of OHC (outer hair cells) in the inner ear organ called the cochlea. The perception of tinnitus arises as a side effect of compensation within the auditory pathways. Current models predict that nonauditory parts of the brain are always involved in "clinically significant" tinnitus. The problem arises due to enhanced activation of emotional and autonomic centers in the brain.

The majority of patients with tinnitus are seriously distressed. Physiological responses to tinnitus include: anxiety, depression, sleep problems and general stress. As well, tinnitus patients frequently report that their tinnitus gets worse when they are under stress.

It becomes a vicious circle. Tinnitus causes stress, and stress causes tinnitus to be perceived as worsening. Stress can also lead to impaired concentration, sleep difficulty, irritability, anxiety and depression.

There is help available for patients living with tinnitus. Patients want to avoid silence by utilizing sound therapy, implement sleep management strategies, avoid negative counseling and utilize supplemental therapies, such as: stress management, proper nutrition and exercise. For those struggling with tinnitus, it would be advisable to join a support group for tinnitus.

The Tinnitus Support Group of Atlantic Canada- Moncton Branch holds their next meeting on October 3, 2005 at 7 p.m. at the Moncton Wesleyan Church. The guest speaker will be Kathy Allison, psychologist, and the topic will be "Stress Management and the Tinnitus Patient".

For information regarding this topic or with any other audiological inquiry, feel free to contact me at 857-3223 or 1-800-535-1000. For information regarding the Tinnitus Support Group of Atlantic Canada call me at 857-3225 or visit the group’s website at: tinnitusatlantic.tripod.com
 2:50 PM I have Meniere's Disease--can I benefit from hearing aids?
Meniere's Disease is a disease of the inner ear, first described by the French otologist Prosper Meniere in 1861. The disease is characterized by increasing hearing loss and tinnitus combined with severe attacks of dizziness. Meniere's disease can be unilateral (in one ear) or bilateral (in both ears).

An important element of the Meniere treatment is hearing rehabilitation using a hearing aid(s). The use of hearing aids proves to be helpful to most Meniere's patients, in the treatment of the hearing loss and tinnitus. For most patients, a hearing aid will reduce the perceptions of tinnitus.

The Meniere's patient must be fit with amplification with certain precautions. Meniere's patients are very sensitive to noise and modern computerized hearing aids can easily deal with this since they are equipped with programmable output limiters. Individual Meniere's patients report sound distortion, and a hearing aid can do nothing about this. Overall hearing amplification proves to be beneficial to the majority of Meniere's patients.

Resource: An Ear Disease, Soren Vesterhauge, MD
 9:46 AM Try out my hearing aid in noisy environment?
I AM GOING TO A HOCKEY GAME TONIGHT. WOULD THAT BE A GOOD ENVIRONMENT TO TEST MY NEW HEARING AIDS?

You should not wear hearing aids in a noisy place until you are accustomed to them and this noisy situation will not provide a good test for your hearing aids. It is easier to adjust to hearing aids in a favorable listening environment and as you become accustomed to your aids, you can work towards a more difficult listening environment.

When you have a hearing loss, it is as if you have been wearing earplugs because the volume of sound has been reduced due to your loss. Your auditory system may be sensitive to loud sounds so when you begin wearing hearing aids your brain will have to learn how to hear again. Most hearing aid wearers require an adjustment period of a few weeks.

It is best to gradually introduce sound back into your environment.Modern hearing aids are equipped with loudness adaptation levels, and as your brain adapts to increased auditory input, these loudness levels can gradually be turned up.

Tips for learning to use hearing aids:

1) At first, wear hearing aids in your own home environment.
2) Start off with one-on-one conversations in quiet.
3) Do not strain to catch every word.
4) Do not be discouraged by background noise.
5) Increase your tolerance for loud sounds slowly.
6) Gradually extend the number of persons with whom you speak.

Resource : www.healthyhearing.org
 6:22 PM What is Ototoxicity
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

Today's question: What is ototoxicity?

Ototoxicity is ear poisoning (oto=ear, toxicity=poisoning).

This poisoning happens when individuals come into contact with drugs or chemicals that are poisonous to the inner ear. The inner ear is involved in both hearing and balance. Ototoxicity can result in disturbances of either or both of these senses.

Toxicity to the hearing can include one-sided hearing loss, hearing loss in both ears, and fluctuating or constant tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Inner ear poisoning can be temporary or permanent.

Common ototoxic medications or chemicals include: Aspirin, Quinine, Loop Diuretics (water pills), Amino glycoside antibiotics, Anti-neoplastics (anti-cancer drugs) and environmental chemicals. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for information about the side effects of specific medications. An on-line resource is:This online Rx List, where you can obtain information on the side effects of medications.

It is a good idea to compile a list of your medications, including the name of the drugs, frequency you take them, dosage and the name of the prescribing physician. Bring this information into your audiologist at the time of your consultation/hearing evaluation.

For more information on this topic, or regarding any other audiological inquiry, feel free to contact my office or browse further in this web site.

Resource: www.vestibular.org/ototox.html

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog Today's Hearing is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best at any age.
 2:24 PM Today's Hearing Launches
Welcome to Today's Hearing, a blog written by Heidi Eaton of Argus Hearing Center of Moncton, New Brunswick, about the advances in the hearing aid industry and in the work that is ongoing in New Brunswick to enhance the treatment of hearing loss conditions by audiologists.
 10:36 AM Checking for Hearing Loss ?
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing Center and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

How do I find out if I have a hearing loss? Is there a way to medically treat hearing loss?

The best way to know if you have a hearing loss is to be tested by an audiologist.

An audiologist is a specialist, who is extensively educated in the area of hearing health care.

"Our scope of practice and unique training makes audiologists professionals who identify the degree and nature of hearing loss, refer for medical evaluation when appropriate, and provide audiologic rehabilitation"(Bratt, C.M, et al., 1992).

"Based on known statistics of hearing loss, less than 20% of hearing loss is correctable through medical or surgical intervention. That means 80% of adults with hearing loss do not have medically or surgically treatable disorders and are candidates for non-medical treatment of audiologic rehabilitation" (Bratt, C.M. et al., 1992).

If medical intervention for a hearing loss is deemed appropriate, we are more than happy to work as part of your hearing health team, by providing pre and post hearing evaluations to your attending physician(s)/otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat physician).

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 4:32 PM Latest Hearing Aid Technology ?
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing Center and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

What is the latest hearing aid technology available?

In a world of rapidly advancing technology, consumers expect increasingly more from products that are designed to assist us and this includes hearing aids.

Digital hearing aids have done a great deal to improve the quality of listening for many individuals with hearing loss. But, what is next? What is the latest hearing aid technology on the horizon?

The world we live in is more challenging and noisy. Hearing is one of the most demanding tasks for the brain. It involves many higher mental functions, including: memory, analysis, comparison and deduction.

The next generation of hearing aids will have to perform these higher mental functions intuitively, or automatically, as does the human brain. The next generation of hearing aids will need to have "artificial intelligence". Intelligent hearing aids will be better at addressing the wishes and needs of the user. They will be more effective and easier to use.

Patient's expectations of digital hearing aids with "artificial intelligence" should include:
  • better speech understanding in all situations,
  • comfortable hearing in background noise,
  • no compromise between comfort and speech,
  • clear and excellent sound quality,
  • better hearing at a distance, minimal feedback,
  • minimal occlusion (feeling of being plugged up when wearing a hearing aid),
  • reduced annoyance and fatigue and,
  • cosmetically attractive hearing aids.

Hearing aids with artificial intelligence are now available. For information regarding this subject or with any audiological inquiries, feel free to contact me at (506)857-3223.

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 4:24 PM Impact of Corrected Hearing ?
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing Center and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

Before I wore a hearing aid, my family complained that I would yell when I talked. With my aid, they say I talk at a 'normal' level.
What causes this to happen?

Part of the way that we monitor the volume of our own voices is by listening to our own speech.

The speech exits our mouths and then enters our own ears. If we have a sensorineural hearing loss, we are not hearing our own voices properly.

Because we do not hear properly, it may sound like we are talking softly when we are in fact speaking at a normal level.

The tendency then is to raise the level of our voice until it sounds "normal" in volume to the hearing impaired ears. This "normal" level is generally too loud for those with normal hearing.

When a hearing impaired individual starts to wear a hearing aid, their self-monitoring system works better.

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 4:21 PM Extending Hearing Aid Life ?
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing Center and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

Previously, you discussed how to extend the life of a hearing aid with proper cleaning and avoidance of moisture.
Do you have any other tips that may help extend the life of my hearing aid?

Cleaning your hearing aid after each use is absolutely the best way to care for your aid(s)and maximize the life of your aid. Other tips include:

1) Avoid sharp knocks to your aid. Do not put your hearing aid loosely in your pocket or purse. The aid may knock against hard objects, like your keys, which could damage the hearing aid shell.

When your hearing aid is not in your ear it should be in a protective case.

2) Protect your aid from heat.Do not leave your hearing aid in extreme heat, such as on a radiator, near a stove or in direct sunlight.

3) Keep your aid away from pets.It is believed that animals are attracted to the human scent on the aid. Whatever the reason may be, dogs and cats can chew and destroy a hearing aid.

4) Avoid contact with substances that can block your microphone.Hairspray is one item that can leave a residue on the aid that can block the microphone and damage the aid's components.

Remove the aid before spraying your hair. Also try to avoid touching your aid with dirty or sticky hands.

For any further information on this topic or if you have other audiological questions, feel free to contact me at (506)857-3223.

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 3:10 PM Right Way to Clean Hearing Aid
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing Center and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

What Is The Best Way To Clean My Hearing Aid?

Many hearing aid repairs could be easily avoided by regular cleaning and maintenance of the aid.

The best way to clean the custom made aids is to brush off the aid with a DRY toothbrush. The most important part of the aid to clean is where the sound exits the aid (the receiver tip). If this part of the aid is blocked with wax, dry skin or debris, it is difficult for the amplified sound to exit the aid into your ear canal.

The hearing aid will appear to be weak or dead until this area is cleared.

New hearing aids come with cleaning tools, such as little brushes, vent cleaners and round tipped picks to facilitate the cleaning process.

Do not use straight pins or needles or toothpicks to clean your aid. These sharp items can puncture holes in your hearing aid components or break off resulting in major damage. You can also wipe off the aid with a cloth, preferably a lint-free cloth.

If you want to give the aid a really good cleaning, you can put a little rubbing alcohol on your toothbrush before brushing the aid. Alcohol dries very quickly and a little will not damage the aid. Never immerse the hearing aid in alcohol or use water to clean the aid.

Hearing aids are electrical units and moisture can corrode the aid's components.


Behind-the-ear ( BE) hearing aids are a little easier to maintain, as the hearing aid is housed behind your ear and not directly exposed to the moisture and wax in your ear. To clean the ear old of Behind the Ear hearing aids, You can brush the tip with a toothbrush.

Because there are no electrical components in the ear old (it is just plastic), you can remove it from the BE and clean it in soap and water. Please make sure it is completely dry before reattaching it to the hearing aid.

Just as you must clean your eyeglasses regularly to see clearly, you must also clean your hearing aid to hear maximally.

We are always happy to give your aid a really good cleaning and check-up at Argus Hearing Centre. Cleaning the aid after each time you wear your aid can also extend the life of your aid..

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 3:06 PM Is There Hearing Aid Allergy ?
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing Center and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

My ears are itchy and red since I have been wearing a hearing aid. Could I be allergic to my aid?

Under these circumstances it is important for you to consult with your audiologist or your physician. Medical intervention may be necessary if an ear infection is noted.

During your appointment with your audiologist, she can assess the fit of your new hearing aid. If your hearing aid was made a little too big in the manufacturing process, it could be irritating your ear.

This irritation may lead to swelling, blistering, itchiness and, most certainly, redness.

The audiologist can reshape your hearing aid in the areas deemed to be too large. If this does not remedy the problem, the hearing aid may need to be returned to the manufacturer and have the shell remade.

Hearing aids today are made with hypo-allergenic material.

It is possible that some individuals may react to the material used in the creation of their aid. It may be determined that you could benefit from a hearing aid shell constructed from boiled Lucite or a ceramic material.

These materials are less likely to cause a reaction.

Modifications may also need to be made to the hearing aid shell, such as an enlarged vent. A large vent in the aid will allow for greater air circulation and this can help reduce the chance of an irritation or infection.

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 3:01 PM Cure for Hearing Loss From Noise ?
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing Center and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

I worked in a noisy environment and now I have a hearing loss. Are there any medical options to cure the hearing loss?

Noise induced hearing loss is one of the most commonly reported work-related injuries.

Noise causes damage to hair cells in the hearing organ called the cochlea. This results in permanent hearing loss, which is to say at present there is no cure for noise related hearing loss.

Prevention is still the best medicine when it comes to noise induced hearing loss.

However, scientists have been researching the possibility of hair cell replacement or hair cell regeneration. This would involve replacing or repairing the hair cells that were damaged by the noise. Scientists have also been seeking a “pill”, or medicine, to reduce the hearing loss effects from noise.

They believe antioxidants may hold the answer.

Lab testing has indicated that taking a pill may help prevent the damage noise can do to your hearing. This theory is being tested on American marines at present, who will take many doses of the antioxidants before and during rifle training. The “pill” is not meant to replace hearing protection.

However, hearing protection alone is not always enough to protect our hearing completely from noise.

At present, there is no cure for noise induced hearing loss.

Audiologists can treat the hearing loss with hearing aids, in order to maximize the individual’s ability to communicate. An audiologist can also recommend the appropriate hearing protection in order to prevent further deterioration of the hearing due to noise.
Resource: Associated Press

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 2:56 PM Old Hearing Aid Disposal
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing Center and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

What is the best way to dispose of an old hearing aid?

There are a number of organizations and mission societies that will repair or refurbish old hearing aids.

The goal of these groups is to provide hearing aids to hearing impaired people who could not otherwise afford this help. The hearing aids may help individuals within Canada or in developing or disadvantaged countries.

Volunteers, including audiologists, physicians and technologists to name a few, travel to developing countries to distribute old and new hearing aids, at no charge, to hearing impaired individuals.

We, at Argus Hearing Centre, collect old hearing aids on behalf of many of these organizations. Even if the hearing aids are not working at all, some parts may be salvaged to repair other hearing aids. This is the best way to dispose of an old hearing aid, while lending a hand to another.

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 2:52 PM Telecoil Assisted Hearing on Cell Phones
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

I have a telecoil (telephone switch) on my hearing aid. However, I still cannot hear very well on my cell phone. Why is this? Can anything be done to solve this problem?
More and more people are using cell phones for business and personal communication.

However, hearing aids and cell phones do not always work well together. There can be electromagnetic interference between the phone and the hearing aid. This interference may sound like a buzz or static noise. Scientists are researching this problem and trying to develop some solutions.

If the problem is that the volume of the cell phone is not loud enough with your telecoil, there are a few options to increase the power of the speech signal. The software of most programmable analog and digital hearing aids allows your audiologist to provide a "telecoil boost".

This selection should boost the volume of your telecoil. If your hearing aid has a volume control, this control is linked to your telecoil. Therefore, another option is turning up the volume control which should also turn up the volume of your telecoil.

The main reason people choose the option of a telecoil is so that they can talk on the phone without the hearing aid feeding back. Available in newer hearing aid technology is dynamic feedback cancellation.

This technology will significantly reduce feedback without reducing the volume of the hearing aid. Therefore you may be able to talk on the phone without a telecoil, with a hearing aid that has dynamic feedback cancellation. At the very least, if your telecoil is not loud enough, you have the option of using your regular program.

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 3:47 PM Gift Suggestions for Hearing Assisted Concerns
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing and so I on occasion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

Do you have any gift suggestions that would be useful to a hearing aid wearer?

There are a number of hearing aid accessories on the market. I will highlight some of the more popular items.

1) Batteries: Hearing aids require energy to function. It would be inconvenient and restricting to have to plug one's aid into an electric socket, thus, batteries are the power source required by hearing aids. Hearing aid users can always use more batteries. Batteries have a shelf life of approximately one year.

2) Battery Tester: Every hearing aid user should own a battery tester. On occasion, an individual may believe their hearing aid is not working, when in fact the only problem may be a dead battery in the aid..

On the other hand, the hearing aid may not be working. Yet the hearing aid wearer may think the problem is bad batteries. Thus, the individual throws away a number of good batteries. A battery tester will help sort out if the batteries are the problem or not. The tester will end up saving the individual money.

3. Humidity Pack: If moisture enters a hearing aid, the aid may short out or work on and off. If the hearing aid wearer tends to sweat or if the weather is particularly humid, this may have detrimental effects on the hearing aid.

Placing the hearing aid in a humidity pack at night will remove the excess moisture from the hearing aid.

4) Telephone Pads: If an individual does not have a telephone switch on their hearing aid, they may experience feedback (a ringing noise from their hearing aid) when using the telephone.

A telephone pad can be attached to the telephone receiver. It will create a space between the telephone and the ear. This space reduces the chance for feedback, thus making conversation more pleasant for the hearing aid wearer.

5) Waxguards: Hearing aid wearer's clean their aids on a regular basis. Most hearing aids come with a wax guard that may be changed by the user.

Many hearing aid manufacturer's retail waxguard kits, which include a tool for the hearing aid owner to replace the waxguard and several extra waxguards.

You may ask also ask me a further question on-line or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this Blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 2:39 PM Hearing Loss-Ear Wax Problems?
I am frequently asked to explain what terms mean that we use in our practice of audiology in our New Brunswick office at Argus Hearing and so I on occassion will explain what certain terms mean to you.

For even more information you can follow the web site link that I have provided or ask a follow question by using the comment link at the end of this post.

I believe I may have a hearing loss. How could I find out if wax is causing this hearing loss?

Wax in your ear canal is not a problem for your hearing unless it completely blocks off a sounds ability to reach your eardrum.

We produce wax for a reason. That reason is to protect our ears from foreign debris or objects that can make their way into our ear canals, i.e. dirt, dust or, even, insects.

Wax is an integral part of the natural cleaning system in our ears. It is a good thing. Wax will trap the foreign object and hair cells will move the wax out of our ears. This natural cleaning system can be damaged by some of the techniques we employ to remove wax from our own ears.

If the hair cells that remove the wax from the ear canal are damaged, they will not be able to remove the wax effectively. This can lead to wax build-up in our ears. As we age, the natural cleaning system may slow down and this, too, can lead to an accumulation of cerumen.

Some individuals seem to be prone to wax build-up, where others never experience wax issues.

You may ask also ask me a further question online or make your own comment on this article by simply clicking on the comment button below. This allows you to send a personal comment by you that will be shared with others who are reading this blog.

The purpose of my Blog "Today's Hearing" is to help encourage more understanding of the science and the practical approaches to always hearing at your best, at any age.
 3:34 PM